Tales of Arise stands out as an action RPG that blends fast-paced combat with a deep narrative set across two contrasting worlds. Released in 2021, this title from Bandai Namco Entertainment follows protagonists Alphen and Shionne as they challenge a long-standing oppression between the Renan and Dahnan people. With its Atmospheric Shader graphics evoking anime and watercolor styles, the game creates visually striking environments that shift with the time of day, enhancing the sense of a living world on the planet Dahna.
Gameplay
In Tales of Arise, combat revolves around an intuitive system where you chain Artes, Boost Attacks, and Boost Strike combos to overpower enemies. As Alphen, you wield the Blazing Sword, teaming up with party members for coordinated strikes that reward timing and strategy. Exploration plays a key role too, letting you traverse varied terrains like rocky cliffs or rivers, set up campfires for cooking, and interact with dynamic environments that change from dawn to dusk. The mechanics emphasize growth through hardships, as characters develop bonds and skills while uncovering the divided histories of Rena and Dahna.
Mechanics include resource management during battles, where Boost Strikes allow powerful finishers after building combos. The system encourages experimenting with party setups, as each member's unique abilities contribute to fluid, action-oriented fights against foes from alien planets.
Game Modes
Tales of Arise focuses on a single-player campaign that integrates story progression with exploration and combat. The main mode centers on the core narrative journey, where you liberate regions and defeat masters across Dahna. No multiplayer options exist, keeping the experience solo-driven with emphasis on party-based teamwork in battles.
Additional content comes through the Beyond the Dawn expansion, which adds a new scenario, dungeons, and subquests that extend the main campaign without introducing separate modes.
Story and Characters
The narrative explores the 300-year rule of Rena over Dahna, where resources are pillaged and freedoms stripped away. Protagonists Alphen, who starts without memories or pain sensation, and Shionne, cursed to harm those she touches, form an unlikely alliance with a group of friends. Their journey involves overcoming personal and societal barriers, highlighted by ufotable's animations in pivotal scenes.
Characters grow through interactions, revealing backstories tied to the Renan-Dahnan conflict, making the story a blend of liberation themes and emotional development.
Is It Worth Playing?
With a Metacritic score of 84 and Very Positive Steam reviews from 27,318 total users (87% positive in English reviews), Tales of Arise has earned strong praise for its combat and visuals. Recent reviews as of 2026 show a Mixed rating at 64% positive from 88 entries, possibly reflecting varied opinions on pacing.
If you enjoy action RPGs with combo-heavy battles and character-driven stories, this game delivers a rewarding experience, especially with the Beyond the Dawn DLC for extended play. It's particularly suited for those seeking narrative depth over multiplayer elements, though some note uneven pacing in parts.
